Simply having talented players is only part of the puzzle when it comes to playing great defense in the NFL. A coach must be able to instruct, discipline, and above all motivate them to play their best every week. Chuck Pagano has had a reputation for years being able to find ways to get maximum effort out of his players. His speeches are good stuff and he just has a natural affinity for connecting with people. However, the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator has other tactics at his disposal.
A big one is the simplest of all: incentive. What better way to get players to bring their best stuff than being rewarded. Not with a bounty system or anything like that of course. More like something they do in college football a lot. For example, Ohio State players are rewarded with a necklace displaying gold pants every time they beat Michigan. Or the Chicago Blackhawks and their use of a championship belt given to whoever were the MVP of a given game.
Pagano found his own way of installing such a system as the Chicago Tribune explained.
The Bears defensive coordinator has his own currency floating around the locker room. His face — an outdated headshot, to be specific — appears in the center of fake $100 bills instead of Ben Franklin’s. Yes, the market for “Chuck Bucks” is hot.
Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was the proud owner of one note, holding it up briefly for reporters and cameramen assembled at his locker Thursday. Neither Pagano nor Clinton-Dix would explain how the bucks are earned, but it’s safe to say they’re a reward.
“I told those guys: If you want me to sign it, I’ll sign it,” Pagano said. “And I said don’t spend it because it’ll be (worth) 105 when I die.”
Chuck Pagano knows how much pride can fuel athletes
Undoubtedly Clinton-Dix received his "Chuck Buck" for his outstanding game against Washington where he delivered two interceptions. Khalil Mack obviously got one for the game against Minnesota. Roy Robertson-Harris may have one too for the opener against Green Bay. It's apparent that different defenders are stepping up each week. While the payment system isn't the sole reason for this success, it's undoubtedly a little extra juice for the players to use as fuel.
People should never underestimate the value of bragging rights within a locker room. These men may be teammates, but they're also ridiculously competitive. Even with each other. Guys will want to flash who have more bucks than the others, thus pushing the others to fight for more of their own. While that personal competition is meant for them, it benefits the entire defense as a whole. Hence the entire point of Pagano installing the system. A clever tactic on his part.
